Let's say you bought $1,000 in shares of your favorite company a few years ago, and now its value is $5,000.

If you gift this stock to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, you're eligible for a tax deduction for the full $5,000 value. And you'll avoid the capital gains taxes you'd have to pay on the $4,000 appreciation if you sold the stock.

Sound good? Here's how to do it:

Send a written letter of instruction and authorization to your broker to electronically transfer your shares. The letter should:

• Specify the stock (Microsoft, GM, Mattel), the stock type (common or preferred) and the number of shares to be transferred from your account # _____________.
  
  
• Provide the following St. Baldrick's Foundation brokerage account information:
  TD Ameritrade Account # 883711038
  DTC # 0188
  
  
  
• Provide contact information:
  St. Baldrick's Foundation
  Kathleen Ruddy, Executive Director
  1443 E. Washington Boulevard, #650
  Pasadena, CA 91104
  (626) 792-8247, ext. 11 or StockGifts@StBaldricks.org
  
  
• Be signed by the donor/shareholder
  
  

Here's a sample letter for you.

• Click here to copy sample letter
  
  

One last thing: We really want to thank you - and to be sure you get the donation acknowledgement you need for tax purposes. To let us know about your gift, please send a copy of that letter to us, too.