Santa Claus will be loading up his sleigh this weekend, but children aren’t the only ones who could use some charity from the jolly old man.

Area sports teams are certainly in need of a few Christmas gifts, but my sources say Santa’s elves might be a little too busy building toys and gadgets for billions of kids around the world to answer sports requests. ... Slackers.

Regardless, here’s what the various wish lists of the Pittsburgh sports scene looks like:

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Pittsburgh SteelersA healthy left ankle for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tops the list, but some turnovers from the No. 2 overall defense would also be a welcome sight.The Steelers are a minus-11 in turnover differential this year, an improbable number for a team marching to the playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles (minus-12) and Washington Redskins (minus-13) are the only teams ranked behind the Steelers, and neither of those teams will finish with a winning record.If turnovers aren’t too much to ask, a loss from the Baltimore Ravens would be one heck of a stocking stuffer.•

Pittsburgh PenguinsThe Pens have plenty of talent, but they could sure use some high-tech protective gear straight out of the North Pole — a place very familiar with the dangers of ice.With nine players on injured reserve — Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang among them — the Penguins just need to find a way to stay healthy.•

Pittsburgh PiratesThe young Pirates are heading in the right direction, but they’ll need some magic to make a serious run at the postseason next year.It would be nice if Santa — a guy who laps the planet in one night with nine flying reindeer — could spare a pinch of magic so the Bucs can avoid a record-extending 20th consecutive losing season.•

Penn State footballThe PSU football program needs nothing more than a time machine.Unfortunately, there’s no way to reverse the damage left by Jerry Sandusky and his enablers, but jumping back a few decades to prevent the alleged abuse would save the university’s reputation, and more importantly, the innocence of his alleged victims.•

Pitt footballSure, the Panthers need a coach — preferably one who will stick around — but Pitt fans really want a muzzle for Todd Graham.After Graham took the head coaching position at Pitt, he immediately started preaching about a “high-octane offense.”Too bad for Pitt, the only thing to ever move with legitimate speed was his mouth and loyalty.Graham is the hollow, stereotypical salesman that has swarmed major college athletics in recent years.•

Pitt men’s basketballUnlike Graham, Pitt men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon is the exception, rather than the underwhelming standard.Dixon has led a squeaky-clean program with integrity and loyalty for nearly a decade.All that’s missing is a Final Four appearance, which is exactly what the team is wishing for.I hope the Panthers achieve that goal — with or without the help of Santa — simply because the coach genuinely deserves it.Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.