Area residents can help local schools get free merchandise that supports the arts, athletics and academics in QFC’s Labels for Education program.

In addition, one school that partners with their local QFC will be eligible to win an appearance by Grammy Foundation Artist and jazz saxophonist, Mindi Abair during 2011. She will perform at the winning school and talk to the students about the importance of music education and the role it has had in her life.

The program runs from now through Feb. 8. For every 8 Labels for Education products purchased at QFC, shoppers will receive a 200 Labels for Education bonus point certificate printed at the bottom of their register receipt. All they need to do is return the certificate to the school of their choosing.

Shoppers will also receive a Check Out “Coupon” with a unique code for an additional 200 Labels for Education bonus points. Customers enter the code in the QFC Promo Box after registering or signing into their existing account in order to have the additional 200 bonus points added.

Finally, new e-Labels for Education users will automatically receive 100 Labels for Education bonus points if they register for e-Labels before February 5.

Since 1973, Labels for Education has been awarding free educational merchandise to schools in exchange for proof of purchase from the Campbell family of brands.