Word came Saturday from Salvation Army’s corporate operations that the evangelical charitable organization’s Sumner store and donation center would close Aug. 27.

“They (the head office) made the decision to close to strengthen the overall operations of their Seattle-area operations,” Assistant Manager and 22-year-employee Claudia Rosengard said. “They and we still remain committed to their mission.”

The employees at the Sumner store, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, will have the opportunity to apply to other nearby Salvation Army branches, she said.