Family members of Loren Peters say the Austin man would have helped anyone with anything and knew just about everyone here.

The 34-year-old father of one was scheduled to be a key volunteer for the United Way’s annual Day of Caring that was held Saturday, but was killed in a car accident last spring.

“It’s a tough day because obviously we miss Loren and wish he was here,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, executive director of the United Way of Mower County. “But it is a good day because of the people we have out to support him and his wife.”

Exactly 236 volunteers worked on 34 projects at the fourth annual Day of Caring Saturday, which helped homeowners in need, most of them seniors, with home improvement work.

The day also included cleaning areas of Austin, including trash pickup.

“It’s our best turnout to date,” Lighthizer-Schmidt said.

The family of Loren Peters worked on a Third Avenue residence in southwest Austin, the home of Wilma Mayzlik, fixing some exterior boards and painting the house.

“My mom is real thankful for that,” said Penny Mayzlik, Wilma’s daughter.

Loren Peters wife, Tonia, was there, and said her husband would be proud of the effort.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be able to help, but it’s sad he couldn’t be here to see the turnout. He would be extremely happy to see everyone here.”

Loren and Tonia Peters have lived in Austin for four years and met in the Quad Cities area of Iowa.

Most of their friends and family who took part in Saturday’s event were from there, including Loren’s mother Jackie Peters.

“It is exactly what he would have liked to have seen; it’s so my son,” she said.

Other volunteers this past weekend included Loren’s former manager at Qwest, Ross Larson, who also donated a check to the United Way on behalf of Qwest for $3,750.