Cutting your tax bill when you donate stock

As you know Brehm is a 501(c)(3) and is currently running behind with our contribution goal for the end of the year. From Kiplinger's Personal Finance Adviser:

"Feeling charitable this holiday season? Consider donation appreciated stock, rather then cash, to your favorite cause.

As long as you have owned the stock for more than a year, you reap a double tax break: You can deduct the full market value of your donation and escape capital gains tax on the appreciation. The recipient charity doesn't pay taxes, either. But don't donate stock that has lost value. You're better off selling it, claiming the loss to reduce your tax bill, and then donating the cash. Make sure you get a receipt from the charity to satisfy new tax rules that require documentation for any amount you contribute to a charity."