NEW YORK — Walgreens is teaming up with Mars Inc.’s M&M’s brand and NBC for the television network’s first-ever “Red Nose Day” broadcast.

Established in the United Kingdom, Red Nose Day brings people together every two years to do something funny to raise money for charity. As part of Red Nose Day, from April 17 to May 30, red noses will be available at Walgreens stores for $1, with proceeds contributed to the Red Nose Day Fund in support of programs that address the needs of children and young people living in poverty in the United States and overseas.

Walgreens and M&M’S will be two of the presenting media sponsors of the live, three-hour Red Nose Day special on NBC on May 21 (8 p.m. ET), which will feature stand-up performances, sketch comedy, videos produced by Funny Or Die, and music performances from top artists.

“Red Nose Day is all about being funny to raise money, and we’re delighted to work with NBC, Mars and Comic Relief to bring this fun charity event to the U.S. for the first time,” Walgreens president Alex Gourlay said in a statement. “The money goes to charities that help those who are less fortunate live happier, healthier lives — the same way Walgreens helps our customers be happy and healthy. While supporting Red Nose Day, I hope we’ll all have some fun with the Red Noses.”

For Red Nose Day, Walgreens and M&M’s will have an on-air and online presence across NBC’s platforms, including the dedicated site for the NBC telecast at RedNoseDayUSA.org.

”M&M’s is the brand that understands the power of using colorful fun to brighten the world, so it’s a natural fit to leverage our humor and passionate fan base to change lives through this partnership with Red Nose Day,” stated Lee Andrews, vice president of corporate affairs for Mars Chocolate North America. “We will be raising both funds and awareness in the run up to what will be a big day on NBC.”