The Story Behind Bernie Sanders' Famous Mittens and Jen Ellis
Table of Contents
Jen Ellis and the Mittens
Fundraising Impact
Ellis' Background
Bernie's Reaction
Availability
Ellis' New Book
Jen Ellis and the Mittens
During the 2021 presidential inauguration, Senator Bernie Sanders was photographed wearing a pair of now-famous mittens. These mittens were created by Jen Ellis, a second grade teacher from Vermont. In 2016, Ellis gifted Sanders a pair of handmade wool mittens, made from repurposed sweater material and lined with fleece from recycled plastic bottles.
Fundraising Impact
After Sanders was pictured wearing the mittens at the inauguration, interest exploded. Ellis partnered with Vermont Teddy Bear to produce Bernie mittens to meet demand, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Vermont. The mitten image has also been used by Sanders' team on merchandise to raise money for charitable organizations in Vermont.
Ellis' Background
Originally from Maine, Ellis moved to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont. She began her teaching career with Teach for America, working in rural North Carolina schools. She later returned to Vermont and now teaches second grade locally. In her free time, Ellis enjoys music, swimming, and spending time with her partner Liz and daughter Helen. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in counseling.
Bernie's Reaction
According to Ellis, Sanders was excited and appreciative when she first gifted him the homemade mittens. The senator is known for his frugality, and was likely drawn to the mittens' humble, practical origins. Ellis was surprised by the mittens' fame, but Sanders took it in stride, happy the image could help raise money for charity.
Availability
With the mittens in such high demand lately, those looking to get their own pair have had to be creative. Ellis held a contest giving away a pair of mittens to a randomly selected entrant. Opportunities to win mittens have also been used as incentives for charitable donations. The Vermont Teddy Bear collaboration meant wider availability, but sold out quickly. The mittens may be hard to come by, but the spirit behind them lives on. Order your mittens!
Ellis' New Book
In 2022, Ellis published a children's book telling the story behind the mittens and highlighting values like sustainability, community, and kindness. The picture book, titled "Bernie Sanders and the Mitten" follows Bernie as he receives the recycled mittens from Jen, cares for them, and ultimately watches their heartwarming journey.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
