Bernie Sanders in his now iconic Inauguration Day pose and outfit, Jan. 20, 2021. (Photo/JTA-Brendan Smialowski-AFP via Getty Images) News U.S. Bernie Sanders mitten merchandise raises $1.8 million for Vermont charities Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By Gabe Friedman, JTA | January 28, 2021 Bernie Sanders found a way to turn his superstar social media status into some significant charity — $1.8 million, to be exact, for several charitable organizations across his home state of Vermont. In case you missed it: A photo of the Jewish senator at the presidential inauguration ceremony wearing homemade mittens went viral last week, including a number of memes that placed Sanders at Bay Area Jewish spots. In response, Sanders’ website sold a variety of merchandise with the image on it, including sweatshirts and mugs, pledging to donate the proceeds to charity. The beneficiaries include Meals on Wheels, the culinary training program Feeding Chittenden, the youth development Chill Foundation, senior centers in the state and Bi-State Primary Care for dental care, Sanders’ office said, according to an Associated Press report on Thursday. Gabe Friedman Gabe Friedman is deputy managing editor at the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. JTA Content distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. Also On J. Bay Area Bernie-in-mittens memes pop up at Bay Area Jewish locales U.S. Bernie Sanders suspends his presidential campaign U.S. Bernie Sanders picks former Obama official as Jewish community liaison U.S. Biden slows Bernie surge, picks up Bloomberg endorsement Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up