ST. CHARLES – When Lauren Blankenship, 14, started her service project in November, her goal was to make about 150 colorful pillows to donate to children in area hospitals.

But the project took on a life of its own, thanks to the help of Blankenship’s soccer team, the Campton United Soccer Club, and some friends from school. By mid-December, the group had donated 268 pillows, along with toys and books, to children in four hospitals.

Blankenship, a freshman at St. Charles East High School, said she felt the project made a difference.