The faces of La Verne veterans will soon appear in Old Town storefronts as local businesses turn their windows into a community tribute—and help the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post replace a bus that is no longer running.

Through the Old Town La Verne Association's Walk of Heroes campaign, residents can donate $5 to have a veteran’s photo displayed at a participating business through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Proceeds will support the Band of Brothers VFW Post 12034 and its effort to purchase new transportation.

“They came to me with the idea to help us raise a little more funds for our bus,” said Post Commander Maria McKinney, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq. “It’s such a wonderful thing, and we are so honored.”

The post is seeking about $50,000 to replace its bus with a newer high-roof transport van. It has raised about $29,500 so far through membership dues and donations and plans to combine that money with the bus's trade-in value to purchase the new vehicle.

The post uses their vehicle to travel to cemeteries, memorials, presentations, and other events throughout the Inland Empire. It also transports veterans to Department of Veterans Affairs facilities so they can get help addressing benefit issues.

The current bus, a 2004 model, has more than 350,000 miles and requires frequent repairs, McKinney said. “It’s outlived its life. We’re constantly fixing it. As a matter of fact, it’s not working right now," she said.

Rising fuel and repair costs have added to the post’s financial challenges.

“We don’t have a steady stream of revenue,” McKinney said. “Some months it’s a lot, some months it’s a little; sometimes it’s nothing. But we still provide dinners and services, and we don’t ask for much in return.”

For the Old Town business owners organizing the Walk of Heroes, the campaign is an opportunity to honor local veterans while supporting the services the post provides.

“I want to remind the community that these men and women have sacrificed a lot, and we appreciate their service,” said Jeanette Paz, owner and founder of Moxie Salon. “Remember, our veterans are our neighbors, our friends.”

Organizers did not establish a separate fundraising goal for the Walk of Heroes.

“We want to raise as much as we can,” Paz said.

The campaign grew out of conversations among Old Town business owners about helping local veterans.

“My dad and my father-in-law were veterans. We have a lot of veterans in La Verne,” said Mickey Rehm, co-owner of Micky’s Jewelry Studio. “I had heard the veterans were having a bit of a hard time and they needed help, so we said, ‘Let’s raise money for them from now until Veterans Day.’”

Micky’s Jewelry Studio will host a pop-up market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, featuring vintage jewelry, skincare specials and personalized photo magnets. Participating businesses will donate 10% of event sales to the VFW post.

McKinney said community support allows the post to continue serving veterans.

“I want people to know the gratitude I have for the businesses and the people in our community,” she said. “Without their guidance, help and donations, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. That’s what keeps us going and keeps our members going.”

Community members may donate by scanning QR codes on posters throughout Old Town or visiting the VFW Post 12034 donation page. Cash or check donations payable to the Old Town La Verne Business Association may be delivered to Moxie Salon or Micky’s Jewelry Studio.

Organizers are also accepting donated gift cards for veterans. You can drop off gift cards at Moxie Salon or Micky's Jewelry Studio.

Moxie Salon is at 2138 Bonita Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Micky’s Jewelry Studio is at 2343 D St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.