CAMBRIA - A year ago, Donna Hammonds and her husband, Randall, had steady jobs working the washer line at the Maytag plant in Herrin. But since it closed in December, they've been forced to find another way to make a living.

"Me and my husband had no idea what to do after losing our jobs at Maytag," Hammonds said.

The answer came from a hobby of collecting antiques and an old Cambria restaurant waiting for someone to make use of it. Now the couple own Golden Goodies, a store specializing in antiques, crafts and second-hand items.

The store is sectioned off by booths. Hammonds and her family are in charge of a few of the booths and the rest are operated by others who rent out space in the store to sell their wares.

"I had stuff I wanted to sell, so I figured this was the place to do it," said Earl Dixon of De Soto.

Hammonds said she was caught off guard by how many people wanted to rent a booth.

The store filled up so much, Hammonds has been forced to create new booths in every inch of the store, including closets. Even the crafts that decorate the bathroom have a price tag on them.

The booths themselves offer a variety of items, ranging from old toys, games and memorabilia to hand-braided rugs, car accessories and video games.

Hammonds said the booths have been so successful that vendors are frequenting yard sales to try and keep their areas full.

Hammonds said she has made a lot of friends through the store and has received a lot of positive feedback from the community. Hammonds said she feels her fortune in finding the building and setting up the store comes from a higher power.

"I know when God does something, he does it big," Hammonds said. "As long as we put Him first, this can get bigger."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804