We recently had a charity event at the school where I work, to help our families most in need this Christmas. We collected many donations from the public, and donated many items ourselves as staff. It was all good quality secondhand toys, clothing, books, toiletries (ok, the toiletries were new!), some household stuff, etc. It was well attended and our families were delighted. However we had a lot of items left over at the end, and I arranged for a charity shop to collect them in their van. Everyone's a winner, or so I thought.
As planned, the charity shop driver picked up all the leftover stuff today. I had pupils and members of staff helping him, and off the man went with our thanks ... and a shedload of donations.
Not long afterwards, I had a missed call from the charity shop manager on my mobile. I didn't pick up, as that's not always appropriate to do in class. Next thing, he has phoned the school and the office staff put him through to me. He told me he was phoning to complain. He said that he had told me that they were not accepting donations of toys. Folks, I can hand on heart say that this did not happen. He told me in advance that they were not accepting donations of children's clothing, and that was fine. I removed them from the bundle. However I can tell you hand on heart that I had told him we had many toys, and he said that was great. I mean, it was a charity event at a school! And the driver took it all without saying anything.
The manager told me that I had made a 'horrible situation' for him, and that the majority of the toys would have to be thrown away, which would cost the charity shop money.
I pointed out to him that he absolutely hadn't told me that they weren't accepting toys, and he sniffly said 'well, it doesn't matter now' and pretty much hung up the phone.
This was HIS mistake. And I'm fucked off that the donations we collected tirelessly will go to waste at Christmas, of all times. And that he phoned me at my work to complain.
I am usually the kind of person to doubt myself in situations, and to think 'well, maybe he did say that.' But I know in all certainty that I'm right.
Should I complain or let it go?