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\"We wanted to get our kids involved and, at the same time, give back to Lamere and his family, because they're so precious to us,\" Corley said. \"As a community and as a school, we want to make sure that this family is prepared for when the doctor calls and says, 'Hey, we've got a heart for him.'\"

\"PHOTO:
Makinzie Corley
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. Seen in this undated photo are Lamere, 7 and Makinzie Corley, a pre-K assistant at Johnston Elementary.
>

Corley cuts 200 to 400 paper hearts each day, and fifth graders bring them around the school each morning to see who wants to buy a heart for Lamere.

Each heart costs $1, and all the proceeds go directly into Lamere's account at the Children's Organ Transplant Association. The money raised will go toward food, travel and any expenses needed for when Lamere hopefully receives his heart.

\"PHOTO:
Makinzie Corley
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. His fellow students are rallying around him selling paper hearts as he awaits a heart transplant.
>

So far, Lamere's school has collected roughly $2,000, and the local middle and high schools are also contributing.

\"Lamere, he is truly a blessing to everybody he meets,\" Corley said. \"He's spunky, and he just loves life. I can't even explain his spirit. He loves coming to school.\"

\"PHOTO:
Makinzie Corley
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. Seen in this undated photo are Lamere, 7 and his teacher, Carolyne Horton.
>
\"PHOTO:
Contessa Culbreath
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson, 7, is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. His mother, Contessa Culbreath, who is photographed here with her son, said Lamere was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
>

Whoever donates to Lamere's cause has their name written on a heart. The school currently has its hallways wrapped in the hearts, starting from Lamere's classroom door down to the fifth grade classroom.

\"PHOTO:
Contessa Culbreath
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson, 7, is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. His fellow students are rallying around him as he awaits a heart transplant. Lamere was diagnosed in utero with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
>

Culbreath said she is grateful to her community for their kindness and generosity.

\"PHOTO:
Contessa Culbreath
PHOTO: Lamere Johnson is a first grade student at Johnston Elementary School in Johnston, South Carolina. His fellow students are rallying around him as he awaits a heart transplant.
>

Lamere is hoping for a new heart so he can perform better in sports. He also enjoys watching YouTube and shopping for clothes for himself, Culbreath added.

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