Małgorzata Przeniosło (Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce) Social Self-help Organizations in Kielce Region During World War I After the outbreak of World War I in the Kingdom of Poland, in the face of military actions bringing destruction, citizens’ committees coordinated by the Central Citizens Committee in Warsaw began to be formed. The victory of Central Powers led to the creation of Central Rescue Committee in the areas occupied by the Austrians in November and December 1915 as well as the Central Social Council in the areas occupied by the Germans. The march of armies, tactics of scorched earth, evacuation of civilians by the Russians, predatory nature of the economy, resulted in the need to help those in need through financial support, the creation of orphanages, nurseries, shelters for the elderly, canteens and tea rooms, distribution of clothing and medical care. Aid organizations also dealt with preventing the spread of infectious diseases, opened and maintained hospitals and dispensaries. An important element of their business was to record losses associated with military operations and to plan the rebuilding of destroyed areas. Civic and rescue committees active in the First World War in the territory of the Kingdom of Poland, which after independence, became part of the province of Kielce, played an important role in stimulating civic initiatives, maintaining social ties, organizing self-help activities and preventing economic and social destruction. Key words: World War I, Kingdom of Poland, Kielce region, Central Citizens Committee, Central Rescue Committee, Central Social Council, damages, war losses