Some Hernando County middle-schoolers are learning some big lessons about giving back to their community.

The eighth-graders are members of a club called Career Association at Gulf Coast Middle School and Gulf Coast Academy in Spring Hill. One of the many things they do as part of the club is community service.

Club member Nathaniel Kinkade says they want to lead by example.

"For our generation and for older generations and for new generations to come," he said.

The after-school club is just a few months old but the students are already making an impact. They raised $150 for the SPCA of Hernando County.

Club member Alice Barlow is hooked.

"It felt amazing because I knew it was going to a good place and it would help a lot of animals," she said.

The students also spent hours of their free time recently at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park doing some painting.

Teacher Stephen Hoda says the kids are learning to take responsibility for their community.

"Every time we do something you can tell that they know they made a difference," he said. "So for me that is so rewarding."

Club members say their next project is to collect pet food for the SPCA. Anyone who wishes to donate can find out more by calling Gulf Coast Middle School at 352-666-5790.