AUGUSTA $ Salvation Army officials have announced plans to close the organization's thrift store in the next few weeks.

Capt. Patti Downs of the Salvation Army's Capital City Corps said Friday the store would remain open to sell remaining items.

The stores two employees, including Downs' father, have been notified the store will be closing. A second employee is a member of the church and had already been pursuing other opportunities.

Downs stressed the Salvation Army would continue to provide services, including fuel and food assistance, at its church at 11 North Pearl St.

The thrift store in Shaws Plaza on Western Avenue opened in 2000 and often has struggled for funding, but the financial pressures have grown tighter in recent months, Downs said.

Unable to come up with a plan to keep the doors open, the advisory board and core council recently agreed to shut down the store, Downs said.