(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nelly is proud to be part of an adoption and foster care campaign because he understands what its like growing up in difficult circumstances.

The rapper is just one of many stars contributing to the 12th annual A Home for the Holidays show, along with Ricky Martin and rockers Maroon 5.

The stars performances were pre-recorded yesterday, and will be aired in conjunction with video footage of families describing how adoption has helped them.

Nelly is thrilled to be taking part in the event, as the support of youngsters is a cause he holds close to his heart after his unsettled childhood.

"Unfortunately, my parents got divorced at a young age, so I bounced around," he told ET.

"And, you know, we didn't have a lot of money so I stayed wherever I could. And you get to a certain point to where you just want to know somebody cares and somebody's been down that road, but they made it out of it.

That's the beautiful thing and that's what I get a chance to show them, is that, 'Yo, you can do it, too.'"

Latin singing sensation Ricky also revealed his passion for the cause. The talented star is father to two-year-old twin boys Matteo and Valentino, his children by a surrogate mother, and he feels not enough significance is given to youngsters nowadays.

"It is important because children are not our future," he warned."They are our present."

The 12th annual A Home for the Holidays spectacular will air on CBS on Wednesday December 22. (C) Cover Media