No, mama an'em went to town to pick up some strang for the maters.
★ If somebody’s "about," they’re within hollerin’ distance - even if they ain’t right in front of you. ★
Origin
This use of "about" comes from older British English, carried over by settlers into Appalachia. It’s still common in rural speech, even though it’s faded elsewhere.
Notes
While standard English might prefer "around," Appalachian speakers often use "about" in the same sense.
You'll hear this use of 'about' from old timers.