Regardless of what the donor may have paid for shares of stock, gifts of appreciated securities are generally deductible at their current, average market value. Often the donor may reap significant tax benefits, bypassing capital gains taxes that effectively reduce the cost of making a gift. A donor may simply instruct his/her broker to transfer shares of stock directly into an account held by Sandhills School, but should not give instructions to sell. Specific information can be provided by a school representative, and donors always should seek advice from their financial consultant.