Part of Tim’s work with the Longview Rotary includes co-sponsoring a rest station for the Tour de Bike race.
For Tim Temples, a shipper at our lumber mill in Longview, Washington, volunteering starts with a simple question: What’s my purpose?
A number of years ago, Tim took time to reflect on what mattered most to him and how he wanted to show up in the world. The answer pointed clearly toward community — and action. Since then, Tim has poured his time, energy and skills into a wide range of volunteer efforts, from supporting local schools and senior living facilities to improving conditions at homeless shelters.
“Tim spent 31 years proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army, but that wasn’t enough,” his Volunteer of the Year nominator said. “He’s spent another 17 years serving our community by volunteering and being involved in multiple programs that benefit people in our community. He’s gone above and beyond for years, and his diverse volunteer experience has made a positive impact on numerous local organizations.”
For his dedication to strengthening communities and encouraging others to get involved, Tim was named one of our 2025 Volunteers of the Year. As part of the award recognition, he received a $5,000 TREE-mendous Matching Gifts reward, which he is distributing across several organizations he supports.
Tim presents a Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund check to Campus Towers, a low-income apartment building for seniors.
MEET TIM
I’m the shipper for the Longview mill — the largest green Douglas-fir mill in the system. We move a lot of product each week by truck, rail and barge, serving customers up and down the West Coast. I’ve been in this role for a number of years, and I enjoy the challenge.
What did you think when you found out about the award?
It felt great to be recognized. The company has been really supportive over the years, and we’ve partnered together in a lot of this work. I’ve gotten really positive feedback from peers for the award — some congratulations, and a little good-natured ribbing — which makes it even more meaningful.
What motivates you to volunteer?
Community is important, and volunteering is a way to help your community step forward rather than pointing fingers at what’s not working in the present. It’s easy to be held back by self-doubt, but taking that first step toward volunteering makes all the difference.
For two decades, Tim has spent every fourth Wednesday of the month cooking at the Longview homeless shelter.
What kinds of causes do you focus on?
I’m involved with Rotary, I serve on the school board, and I work closely with my church. Through those relationships, I’ve been able to support projects like hydroponics programs for students, book clubs and educational opportunities for seniors, and facility improvements at homeless shelters. Many of these efforts are low-cost, high-impact solutions that can be replicated and sustained.
What’s your favorite part of the work?
I love project management and the satisfaction of completing a project. Whether it’s helping kids, supporting seniors or working at a shelter, there’s nothing better than seeing people benefit from something you helped make happen. We’re built to be people of community — positive interaction with others is what motivates me.
Tim and the Longview Rotary recognize High School Students of the Month.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to give back but isn’t sure how to start?
You won’t know where you fit until you try. A lot of people hesitate to step up because they’re worried about failure or not fitting in. But failure isn’t a bad thing. Take a little courage, step forward and give it a try. You might find something that becomes incredibly meaningful. Volunteerism is both an individual reward and a way to open doors. It creates connections that can lead to bigger opportunities for you, for the community and for the company.
What have you learned through volunteering?
It’s given me direction and focus. Volunteering has helped define who I am and reinforced my desire to give back. It’s been impactful not just for the community, but for me personally.
How are you distributing your $5,000 TREE-mendous Matching Gifts grant?
I’m spreading it across several projects — educational initiatives such as books and hydroponics programs, and outreach efforts that support people experiencing homelessness. Partnering with Rotary has allowed us to stretch those dollars even further and increase the impact.
