The School and Home Office Supplies Association is asking business leaders to get involved promoting arts education programs in schools during Music in Our Schools Month in March.

The SHOPA Kids in Need Foundation provides school supplies to teachers and students in low-income schools free of charge through the donation of businesses. Teacher's Treasures, a Kids in Need affiliate in Indianapolis, recently received 63 full-sized keyboards from Wal-Mart, which in the past has provided myriad music equipment. Arts education has been shown to boost grades and reduce use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. Skills learned from the discipline of music can also be transferred to study skills, communication skills and cognitive skills used in every part of the curriculum.

The SHOPA Discount Shopping program can save members an average of $2,400 a year on shipping costs. Enrollment is free and there are never shipping minimums or obligations. The SHOPA freight management company PartnerSHip will provide a free cost comparison to members who fax a current invoice.