The article shows the contribution of the regions and republics of the Lower Volga to the victory of the Soviet state in the Great Patriotic War. It was noted that the importance in achieving victory at Stalingrad and other operations of the army was the work of central and local public authorities – defense committees, party organizations and councils. The main directions of their work in the field of defense cities of the Lower Volga and the organization of social assistance to the population of the region.