Karstyn Salazar

“I am a checker and a sacker at United,” junior Karsytn Salazar said. “Checking is scanning food, taking cash, cards, and checks and being the main focus of the customer. Sacking is taking items and putting them in either plastic, paper or recyclable bags. Sacking tends to be the more fast-paced of the two jobs, because you are constantly in and out of the store. Since we’re out of school, I’m working about five-six hours a day. People came in swarms when there was first news of the virus. People bought out all of the toilet paper, bread, milk; basically the essentials were gone. That was about two weeks ago. Things have slowed way down because people don’t leave their house unless they absolutely have to. The store itself has had a few changes as well. United in Canyon is now closing at 9 p.m. instead of 10. Just this week, clear Plexiglass was installed between the checker’s standing area and the customer’s checking area.”

“For a while, United placed a limit on a few items, where you could only buy one or two, and that helped a lot in getting products distributed. Think about what you really need and what you just want. People need to remember there are parents out there with kids at home and elderly people who are having to send others to shop for them. If it’s not a necessity, save it for a different day. And I would recommend to go shopping in the morning if there is an item you desperately need. United stocks its shelves at night, so products will be most abundant in the morning. Overall, I would say the town has been stressed, but not panicking. Everyone has been very supportive and understanding. Some people get upset United had limits, so I have seen some people get upset over things like that, but most people are totally fine with all the restrictions. Canyon is a very caring community like that. Every day, I have people come through my line and thank me for working during this crazy time.”