Store turns Christmas red, white and blue for troops, families at Camp Pendleton

FALLBROOK - For Joe DeRoest, it’s been an unusually long Christmas, but it’s also been one of the best of his life.

As is often the case with great Christmases, it’s been about giving; not getting. DeRoest, owner of Joe’s Hardware in Fallbrook, has raised thousands of dollars for the troops and their families at nearby Camp Pendleton.

“We started a ‘Red, White and Blue Christmas’ campaign on Veterans’ Day this year and will keep it going through Christmas Eve,” said DeRoest.

Beginning November 11, ten percent of every gift card sold at Joe’s Hardware is being donated by the store to the specia...