9.21.2005 ET

(CSRwire) STRATHAM, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2005--Meeting community needs is the order of the day for The Timberland Company, embarking on its 8th annual global "Serv-a-palooza," a worldwide community service initiative on Thursday, September 22nd. From Zhuhai, China to Boston, Massachusetts, Timberland employees, business and community partners will join forces to create lasting change in local communities. In total, 170 Serv-a-palooza projects will engage 6,500 volunteers to generate 45,000 hours of service, creating positive impact in communities worldwide.

"Everyday, it seems, there is a new crisis, a new disaster, a new injustice in our communities - it's easy to feel helpless in the face of that, " said Jeffrey Swartz, President and CEO of Timberland. "What Serv-a-palooza symbolizes is the power of people and service to make a real, tangible difference in the adversity we're faced with. It's an opportunity for us to unite for a common cause, share our strengths and celebrate our ability to make our world better."

In the United States, Serv-a-palooza projects are taking place in more than 100 communities coast-to-coast. Globally, volunteers will be sharing their strength to better communities in 27 countries, from Austria to Turkey. Service projects include:

-- Repairing playground equipment, painting classrooms and
brightening the environment for the 500 students who attend
San-Jiao elementary school in Zhuhai, China

-- Rebuilding a home destroyed by a hurricane in Isabela, Puerto
Rico

-- Painting a barn and building livestock sheds at an educational
organic farm in Bedford, New Hampshire

-- Creating play and dining areas at a foster care facility in
Madrid, Spain

-- Restoring the natural habitat and rural beauty of a wildlife
reserve in London, England

-- Clearing alleys and creating community gardens in Lawrence,
Massachusetts

Planning for this annual day of service begins months in advance, as project coordinators meet with local community partners - schools, parks, camps, community centers and social service organizations - assessing the greatest community needs, and identifying opportunities for volunteer service. Serv-a-palooza projects address a variety of community concerns, including education, youth recreation, environmental sustainability and social services.

Although the lead time necessary to plan Serv-a-palooza projects is long, Timberland recognizes the need to adjust for unplanned emergencies and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina -- when the call for assistance is immediate and critical. In support of those impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, approximately 20 Timberland employees are participating in a special three-week service sabbatical in the Gulf Coast, coordinated by the American Red Cross.

Like all of Timberland's community service initiatives, Serv-a-palooza projects are designed to be sustainable in order to meet community needs long-term. Project sites are often perennial, offering volunteers a chance to build upon the positive impact that has been started in past years, and creating an opportunity for long-term relationships between Timberland, its partners and the local community.

Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it.
Timberland(R) products are sold worldwide through leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland(R) retail stores.
Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com. For more information about Timberland's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including a searchable database of thousands of volunteer opportunities, please visit www.timberlandserve.com.

Copyright Business Wire 2005

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