Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger -- the pilot turned hero who safely landed crippled US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River this past January, which resulted in saving the lives of all 155 people aboard -- has donated his pilot cap for auction. Sully gave up his prized hat in order to raise money for two public schools in the East Bay: Oakland’s Lockwood Elementary and San Ramon’s Dougherty Valley High School.

"Sully and I were excited by the opportunity to help these two public schools," said Lorrie Sullenberger, Sully's wife. "We were eager to make this donation to the school auction. We hope that the winner will enjoy owning Sully’s pilot’s hat, but also that they will be happy that they have helped fund two deserving educational institutions."

The winning bid will receive Sully's personal pilot's hat and, according to the eBay page, "experience great satisfaction from having made a contribution to support public education." (However, it should be noted that he was not wearing this hat on January 15, 2009, the day he safely landed the aircraft in the Hudson River; in fact, he did not wear any other pilot's cap on that trip.) The pilot's hat is autographed by Sully and sits inside a pretty protective plastic box. What's more, you'll get "a personally written note from Chesley and Lorrie Sullenberger thanking them for supporting public education."

Although it opened in 2007, Dougherty Valley High School was "ranked by the Academic Performance Index as one of the top schools in its district." Also, Lockwood Elementary is in one of the Oakland Unified School District’s poorest neighborhoods, with one of the City’s highest crime rates. So, you know, both schools could really use your help.

Anyway, if you want to give or receive the perfect Christmas gift, this is it. Bid on Sully's pilot cap on eBay. Bidding ends on Monday, December 14.