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FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2016, file photo, talk show host Craig Ferguson shows his "Join or Die" tattoo in AOL's BUILD Speaker Series to discuss the History Channel television show, "Join or Die", at AOL Studios in New York. Ferguson will host NBC’s Red Nose Day telecast for children in need, announced Wednesday, May 4, 2016. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Image Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Craig Ferguson will host NBC’s second Red Nose Day telecast for children in need.

NBC said on Wednesday that Ferguson will be joined by stars including Kristen Bell, Julianne Moore, Paul Rudd and Jack Black in a live prime-time special airing later this month.

Besides making telecast donations, people will be able to contribute by buying red noses, hats and other merchandise at Walgreens stores nationwide, NBC said. Money raised by Red Nose Day will go to support projects that aid needy communities in the US and other countries.

Last year’s campaign raised more than $23 million (Dh84 million), the network said, with the money going to programmes that help keep youngsters safe, healthy and educated.

It was the first US version of Britain’s three-decade-old Red Nose Day event that’s raised more than $1 billion.

NBC said its Red Nose Day special will include music, comedy and short films about the campaign’s aims. It’s scheduled to air at 9pm to 11pm Eastern on Thursday, May 26.