PROVO, Utah — Some 17,000 women descended on the campus of BYU April 29-30 for the annual Women's Conference, not only gaining spiritual strength and knowledge, but also leaving behind thousands of items for the needy.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

Mercedes Arellano from Ecuador is among volunteers braving chilly weather to put together packages for Church Humanitarian Services. This year during the sixth annual service component of Women's Conference, women assembled 44,052 hygiene kits, 16,138 school kits and 5,016 newborn kits. They also tied 210 quilts.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

Julie Nelson listens during one of 83 concurrent sessions of BYU Women's Conference.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

Taking notes at a session are those among 17,000 women who came from throughout the U.S. and other countries.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

LDS women, brave rainy and cold weather, which was unusual for BYU Women's Conference, as they go from one session to another. The two-day event draws thousands each year.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

Participants at BYU Women's Conference take advantage of Sharing Stations for exchange of practical and innovative serice ideas to strengthen the family.

Sandra Rogers, chairwoman of the BYU Women's Conference Committee, was more than thrilled, "especially because the sisters had to come out in less than attractive weather. They really came through. We were so grateful. The women who come bring a special spirit with them that I think contributes to the overall success of the conference.

"We have good people who work hard to prepare but then we have good people who come to listen and that's a great combination to have a successful conference."

And the numbers relating to humanitarian projects symbolize this success. During the sixth annual service component, themed "Make a Joyful Noise," which included a service evening April 29 and service stations throughout the conference, the women accomplished the following:

• Assembled 44,052 hygiene kits, 16,138 school kits and 5,016 newborn kits for the Church's Humanitarian Services.

• Tied 210 quilts for humanitarian services.

• Completed a variety of projects for community agencies including children's activity kits, greeting cards, literacy bags, fleece blankets, toy painting and afghan squares.

Other activities during the two-day conference, with its theme, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation," taken from Isaiah 12:3, included 70 Sharing Stations for the exchange of practical and innovative ideas to strengthen the family and interactive workshops including dance lessons and groups for stress relief and relaxation.

As in years past, several conference sessions were broadcast via Church satellite, including a tape-delayed broadcast scheduled to be sent to Church units worldwide May 8 and 15. This year's broadcast included addresses by Elaine Rich Anderson, former member of Primary general board; Gerry Avant, Church News editor; Camille Fronk, BYU associate professor; Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve; Ardeth G. Kapp, former Young Women general president; Elizabeth Lewis, mother and cancer survivor; Coleen K. Menlove, Primary general president; Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president; Virginia H. Pearce, former member of the Young Women general presidency; Jana Riess, author; Sandra Rogers, chairwoman of BYU Women's Conference Committee; BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson of the Quorum of the Seventy, and his wife, Sharon Samuelson; Heidi S. Swinton, author; Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president; Gayle J. Wells, homemaker; and M. Gawain Wells, clinical child psychologist.

This year there were also three concurrent sessions offered in Spanish.

E-mail to: julied@desnews.com